Historic Auctions and a Prestigious Competition in Bora Bora
The Grand Return of Pearl Auctions to Polynesia
As part of the sectoral reform launched in 2009, the Polynesian government acted on its strategic vision in 2010 to bring pearl auctions back to its shores. This ambition took shape with the organization of two major events on October 5 and 6, 2010, in Bora Bora, the historic birthplace of Polynesian pearl farming.
October 5: Sale of 26 lots of high-end pearls (Top Gem, A, and B)
➝ 30,100 pearls (average weight: 1.69 g each)
➝ 23 lots sold (88.5% success rate)
➝ Average price: 2,863 F CFP per pearl (+23.1% premium)
October 6: Sale of 58 lots of standard pearls (C and D)
➝ 195,009 pearls (average weight: 1.71 g each)
➝ 30 lots sold (51.7% success rate)
➝ Average price: 1,316 F CFP per pearl (+8.89% premium)
Bora Bora, the Natural Setting of a Pearl Farming Tradition
These auctions were held in a deeply symbolic setting:
✔ Historic location: Held at the site of the first pearl farm
✔ Cultural heritage: A tribute to the origins with the legendary “Pearls of Bora Bora”
✔ Tourist appeal: A perfect blend of luxury and tradition
“This return to our roots adds a new dimension to our pearl, deeply rooted in its land and history,” emphasized a sector representative.
“Most Beautiful Pearl” Competition: Celebrating Excellence
In parallel, the Maison de la Perle—the new government promotion body—organized an exceptional competition:
🔹 4 award-winning pearls selected by international experts
🔹 Excellence criteria: Size, surface quality, color, and luster
🔹 Public participation: Voting open until November 3, 2010
The winning pearl will embark on a world tour in 2025, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Tahitian Pearl across five continents.
A Promising Sectoral Momentum
These events mark a decisive turning point:
✅ Local enhancement: Strengthened territorial roots
✅ Economic performance: Significantly higher average prices
✅ International recognition: Competition as a showcase of excellence
“These results prove that our pearl has reclaimed its place in the global luxury market,” declared a trader present at the auctions.
Through these initiatives, French Polynesia reaffirms its leadership in cultured pearls, blending ancestral expertise with innovative commercial strategy.
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